Several people tried and failed to break into the CFA station building on Conway St between 11.30pm and 1am, police said.

“They have then stolen a number of items from a vehicle parked at the back of the property before leaving,’’ the police statement said.

A post on the Kilmore CFA Facebook page by brigade captain Hayden Dally urged the raiders to give the gear back.

“70 per cent of the items you stole from the Kilmore Fire Station, are only useful if you are involved in an emergency,’’ he said.

“The CFA volunteers involved in purchasing these items, have spent countless hours raising funds from the community to make sure that we can provide all the necessary resources when it comes to an emergency, not only within our community, but state and nationwide as well.’’

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.